Pacquiao apologises for comparing gay people to animals

Philippine boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao has apologised in the face of severe criticism for saying homosexuals were “worse than animals”. Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Pacquiao said he remained against gay marriage but was “not condemning LGBT”. “God Bless you all and I’m praying for you,” he added.

Mr Pacquiao’s original remark, made during a TV interview, drew ire from gay Filipino celebrities and a rights group and sparked heated discussion. Initially he appeared unrepentant, writing in a post in Instagram that he was “just telling the truth of what the Bible says”.

The former world champion, who positions himself as a conservative Christian politician, is running for a senate seat in May elections. Mr Pacquiao, who is a member of the Philippines house of representatives, was speaking to local station TV5 earlier this week for its election coverage. Read more